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Let’s be honest: sunscreen has never been the most glamorous aspect of skincare routines, but it’s undoubtedly the most critical. “Up to 90 percent of visible premature aging is attributed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation,” explains Dr. Russell Wong, the medical director and dermatologist at Rejuvenation Dermatology Clinic in Edmonton. “Sunscreen serves as a shield against damaging UV rays, helping prevent skin cancer and mitigating sunspots, fine lines, and wrinkles caused by prolonged UV exposure.”
For the sake of healthy skin, we diligently apply sunscreen day in and day out, even if it means dealing with thick SPFs that don’t always mesh well with other skincare products or leave a residue of white or greasy shine. Fortunately, beauty brands have been revolutionizing sunscreen’s reputation, offering skincare-infused, delightful-to-use face and body formulas like never before. From convenient stick balms ideal for on-the-go touch-ups to deeply hydrating SPF 50 lotions that feel and smell as luxurious as a high-end body cream, the latest sunscreens have managed to inject a sense of enjoyment into this essential skincare step.
How to choose a sunscreen
When selecting a sunscreen, it’s essential to consider three key criteria, even with the abundance of excellent options available.
- Broad Spectrum: Look for this term on the label, indicating that the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays, present year-round, contribute significantly to skin aging due to their longer wavelength. UVB rays, more prevalent in summer, are responsible for sunburns due to their shorter wavelength. Both types of ultraviolet rays can lead to skin cancer.
- SPF 30 or Higher: SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, indicates how effectively the sunscreen shields your skin from sunburn by filtering out UVB rays. Dr. Wong explains, “Anything under 30, especially during peak UVB exposure in summer, won’t provide adequate protection.”
- Water-Resistant: If you anticipate swimming, engaging in sports, or sweating, opt for water-resistant sunscreens. These formulations are designed to safeguard the skin even when wet, often lasting for up to 60 or 80 minutes. Dr. Wong emphasizes, “Water-resistant doesn’t mean waterproof, so remember to reapply sunscreen regularly.”
How much sunscreen should you use?
Dr. Wong advises, “A nickel-sized dollop should suffice to cover the face and neck.” For the body, aim for about one ounce, roughly equivalent to the volume of a shot glass.
What types of sunscreen filters are best?
When it comes to sunscreen filters, there are two main types: mineral and chemical. Mineral filters, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, work by reflecting the sun’s rays away from the skin. Dr. Wong suggests that these filters are ideal for individuals with sensitive skin or rosacea. While mineral sunscreens used to be criticized for their thick, difficult-to-blend textures, recent formulations have improved significantly. However, some mineral sunscreens may still leave a white cast on deeper skin tones, in which case tinted formulas or chemical filters might be preferable.
On the other hand, chemical filters like octinoxate, octocrylene, homosalate, and avobenzone absorb UV rays. Dr. Wong notes, “Chemical sunscreens are suitable for those who spend more time in the water or engage in physical activities, as they tend to be more water- and sweat-resistant.” He advises avoiding oxybenzone, a chemical filter known to trigger skin reactions.
Regardless of your preference, we’ve compiled a selection of our favorite new sunscreen formulas that make application (and reapplication) a delightful experience.
The best sunscreens of 2024
Ultra Violette Extreme Hydrating Body + Hand SPF 50+ Screen, $41, sephora.com. Photo: Ultra Violette
Meet the beach (and hand!) essential
Hailing from the sun care aficionados Down Under, this coconut-scented body formula is a treat for your skin. Enriched with replenishing ingredients like aloe leaf juice and pentavitin—an extract derived from plants—this concoction boasts a hydration promise of 72 hours. What sets it apart? Unlike many sunscreens that can leave hands feeling tacky, this one doubles as a silky hand cream, ensuring your skin feels pampered. Plus, it’s an ideal companion for pool or beach outings, offering water-resistant protection for up to 80 minutes.
Bioré UV Aqua Rich Weightless Moisturizer SPF 50, $20, shoppersdrugmart.ca. Photo: Bioré
Introducing the J-Beauty-inspired formula
A chemical-filter option that exudes the essence of a luxurious moisturizer. This iteration is the sibling of the viral J-Beauty product that recently took TikTok by storm. Tailored to include filters approved by Health Canada, it boasts a lightweight texture that leaves no greasy residue, earning it high praise from both dry and oily skin types alike.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Dew Balm SPF 45, $41, sephora.com. Photo: Sephora
Meet the Touch-Up Hero
Labeled a “sunscreen serum,” this SPF stick is a powerhouse packed with an array of skin-nourishing elements, including niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and the brand’s signature watermelon extract. Effortlessly gliding onto the face, it bestows a dewy, glass skin-inspired radiance. What’s more, its stick format ensures convenient reapplication, even over makeup, making it a must-have for on-the-go touch-ups.
Neutrogena Purescreen+ Mineral UV Tint Sunscreen SPF 30 in Medium, $17, amazon.ca. Photo: Neutrogena
Introducing the Tinted Ally
A fusion of complexion coverage and sun protection in one brilliant package. This mineral sunscreen not only shields your skin from harmful rays but also functions as a tinted moisturizer. Available in three shades—light, medium, and deep—it eliminates the issue of a white cast and avoids the one-size-fits-all approach that often falls short for diverse skin tones. Because, let’s face it, a universal shade rarely lives up to its promise.
Nudestix Nudescreen Lip Primer SPF 30, $25, sephora.com. Photo: Nudestix
Introducing the Pout Protector
A vital reminder that lips deserve sun protection too. “I commonly see skin cancer and hyperpigmentation develop from UV damage to the lips,” warns Wong. This broad-spectrum mineral tinted primer serves as a “my lips but better” balm, offering a flattering, natural-looking tint. Wear it solo or as a base under lipstick for added protection. Plus, it boasts super hydrating properties, ensuring your lips stay moisturized and safeguarded from the sun’s harmful rays.
Vacation Studio Tone SPF 50, $40, vacation.inc. Photo: Vacation
Meet the Multitasker
A versatile three-in-one wonder that seamlessly blends skincare, bronzer, and a robust SPF 50 into one sleek dropper. Offering a natural-looking sun-kissed glow, it can be effortlessly worn alone or layered under makeup. What sets it apart? Its ingredient list reads like a roster of skincare royalty, featuring the likes of ferulic acid, ceramides, collagen peptide, and vitamin E, ensuring not just a flawless complexion but also nourished, protected skin.
Nuda Solarglow Mineral Serum Sunscreen, $47, nuda.ca. Photo: Nuda
Introducing the Sensitive-Skin Sidekick
A fragrance-free gem fresh from the Canadian self-tanning aficionados, marking their debut into the world of sunscreen. Designed with all skin types in mind, it’s particularly ideal for those prone to sensitivity and irritation. This formula checks all the boxes for the perfect mineral SPF, boasting a subtle tint and a silky, feather-light texture. Enriched with powerhouse skincare ingredients like niacinamide and squalane, it not only provides hydration but also nourishes and protects the skin.
Koa Body Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, $68, t5mrkt.com. Photo: Koa
Introducing the Sporty Staple
Hailing from the shores of Hawaii, this brand is a true expert in sun care. Their mineral body SPF is a must-have for all outdoor enthusiasts, whether you’re embarking on a hike or enjoying a refreshing swim in your local lake. Offering 80 minutes of water- and sweat-resistant protection, it’s formulated with vitamin B3 to enhance skin tone and shea butter, imparting a luxurious, nourishing texture to the cream.
Kiehl’s Beyond Screen UV Serum SPF 50, $56, kiehls.ca. Photo: Kiehl’s
Introducing the Invisible Shield
Featuring collagen peptide to combat signs of aging, this sunscreen is as light as air, leaving behind nothing but a beautifully hydrated complexion. Thanks to its weightless texture and transparent chemical filters, this SPF is a guaranteed winner for all skin types and tones, including oily and acne-prone skin.
